DDU-GKY trained 8,136 youth, contributing Rs 7 crore monthly: Imtimenla

The Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) hosted a combined induction program for the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) training initiative at Naga United Village, Chümoukedima. The event was graced by the Minister of the Department of Rural Development & SIRD, who highlighted the program’s significant impact on youth employment and empowerment.

Imtimenla, Additional Secretary, RD & Mission Director, NSRLM, delivered the keynote address, emphasizing the program’s success in steering youth towards skill development and gainful employment. “It is a celebration to witness our youth choosing skill training over idleness,” she stated. “Through DDU-GKY, we have successfully trained 8,136 individuals, with 5,276 placed in various establishments, including 22 international placements. These placements contribute over Rs 7 crore in monthly earnings to our workforce. We encourage trainees to remain sincere and dedicated in their training and subsequent employment, as DDU-GKY has proven to be a catalyst for life-changing transformations.”

Testimonials from beneficiaries and their families underscored the program’s profound impact. Paul Abonmai, a parent, shared how DDU-GKY enabled his daughter to achieve her dream of working abroad—a feat previously unimaginable for his family. Yashikala, an 83-year-old guardian, expressed gratitude for the free training and placement opportunity, which secured her orphaned granddaughter’s future.

BT Tomwang Wangsa Konyak, a DDU-GKY beneficiary, recounted his transformative training experience, which not only shaped his professional life but also equipped him to navigate challenges like racism while working outside Nagaland. He now holds a successful career in the cruise industry, demonstrating the program’s potential to create global opportunities.

Thavaseelan K (IAS), Commissioner & Secretary, Rural Development & SIRD, highlighted Nagaland’s exemplary performance in implementing DDU-GKY, noting its crucial role in addressing unemployment amidst a saturated government job market. He emphasized the program’s expansion into self-employment opportunities through DDU-GKY 2.0, empowering youth to become job creators.

Minister Metsubo Jamir, Department of Rural Development & SIRD, expressed pride in witnessing the youth’s journey toward self-reliance. “Survival means standing on your own feet,” he stated, addressing the concerning trend of educated youth remaining dependent on their families. He urged trainees to serve as ambassadors for Nagaland, emphasizing the importance of establishing a strong identity and demonstrating sincerity in the private sector.

The event underscored NSRLM’s commitment to empowering Nagaland’s youth through skill development and employment opportunities, contributing to the state’s socio-economic progress.

The program was attended by Polan John, Deputy Commissioner of Chümoukedima, Additional Director & HOD of Rural Development, along with senior officers from the department.

MT